What is fostering?

Find out everything you need to know about fostering in this complete guide.

Every fostering experience is different, but the aim is always the same: to provide a child with a safe, stable and caring home. Here's what fostering involves and how foster carers make a lasting difference.

What is fostering?

Fostering is about giving a child or young person a safe, stable and caring home when they cannot live with their own family. It can last for a few days, several months or many years, depending on the child's circumstances.

As a foster carer, you'll provide everyday care while working alongside social workers, schools and other professionals to help a child feel safe and supported.

Why do children need foster care?

Children come into care for many different reasons. These may include neglect, abuse, family illness, bereavement or situations where parents are temporarily unable to care for them.

The aim is always to provide the right support for the child while decisions are made about their future. Whenever it is safe and possible, the long-term goal is for children to return home to their families.

What does a foster carer do?

Foster carers do much more than provide a spare bedroom.

They help children feel safe, build routines and support them through everyday life. This includes:

Providing a safe and welcoming home
Supporting education and school life
Attending health appointments
Encouraging hobbies and friendships
Helping children build confidence and life skills
Working with social workers and other professionals

Small, everyday moments often have the biggest impact. Sharing family meals, celebrating birthdays and simply being there can help a child begin to feel secure again.

Every fostering role is different

There isn't one type of fostering. Some carers look after children for a few nights, while others provide long-term homes for months or years.

Depending on your experience, family life and availability, you may be suited to:

Each type of fostering plays an important role in meeting children's different needs. Link through to your Types of Fostering page rather than explaining every one here.

You'll never do it alone

Fostering is rewarding, but it can also be challenging.

At Olive Branch Fostering, you'll receive training before your first placement and throughout, ongoing support from your supervising social worker, a generous fostering allowance and access to a team that's available whenever you need advice or guidance.

Could you foster?

If you're over 21, have a spare bedroom and can provide a caring and stable home, you could become a foster carer. Many people are surprised to learn they already have the qualities needed to make a real difference.

Whether you're single, married, employed, self-employed or retired, we'd love to answer your questions.

Book a call or enquire today to find out more.